Special edition news
for September 18, 2000

Nicole Reinhart

The death of US rider, Nicole Reinhart in the BMC Tour of Arlington,
September 17 stunned the cycling community when it was announced. While
any death is a tragedy for those near to them, the pain is felt by so
many more if that person is well known and loved through their endeavours.
Deaths in bicycle races are rare, even if crashes are not, and this
is certainly a deep loss to the cycling world.

The following page is a collection of some of the messages that have
been sent in following the accident. Gerard, Jeff, John and the team
at cyclingnews.com extend our deep sympathies to the Reinhart family,
her friends, the Saturn Team and those who knew her through cycling.

Nicole Reinhart will be eulogized Sunday, September 24, scheduled for
2:00 pm, at the Lehigh Valley Velodrome. All are welcome to attend.

Timmy Reinhart

My sister was in my mind the best female cyclist in the United States.
She taught me so many things in her life that I will never forget. She
told me to be strong when I was scared, to go fast when I needed to
be fast, to always believe in myself because anything could happen.
She was the best sister I could have ever asked for and I will always
remember everything that she has taught me.

Every race that I have left in my racing career will be for her, any
result that I achieve will be from her because without her I would be
a nobody. Her racing style was her own, and I know that it has touched
me and so many others.

I know that my sister would not want anybody to stop racing because
of this. She was in this sport because she loved it, and she would never,
never want anyone to stop. I will always miss and love my sister, she
was truly the best coach, friend a brother could ask for.

I love you Nicole and I know that you will be watching. I also want
to thank everyone for their prayers because they are helping and we
will all get through this.

Saturn team report

It is with the deepest sorrow that we report the loss of Saturn Cycling
Team member and friend Nicole Reinhart.

Reinhart, 24 of Mertztown, PA, died today at a local hospital after
crashing on the final descent of the BMC Software Tour of Arlington
bicycle race, outside of Boston, Massachusetts.

Nicole's parents and other family members had flown in to see her
race today, where she was a favorite to win the finale of the Saturn
US Pro Cycling Tour and the fourth in a series of races sponsored by
BMC software. After winning three previous BMC sponsored events, Reinhart
was poised to win the $250,000 prize that was being offered to any rider
who could a attempting to complete a four-race sweep of the BMC Grand
Prix.

Reinhart grew up near Trexlertown, PA, where she got into a cycling
development program after she quit gymnastics. She quickly became a
promising track cyclist and, over the past two years, blossomed into
one of the nations best road sprinters. Nicole was instrumental in helping
the Women's Saturn Cycling Team attain a number one world ranking at
the end of the 1999 season.

Nicole Reinhart loved to compete during the cycling season, but always
looked forward to heading home to her family and friends. Her talent
and youthful enthusiasm, as well as her presence in the peloton, will
be sorely missed by all who knew her.

A release will follow with further information on correspondence arrangements.

Mercury team report

Today was supposed to be a glorious day for cycling in America. 2
riders going after $250,000 paydays. The BMC Boston Men's race was canceled
after the death of Saturn rider Nicole Reinhart.

After crashing earlier in the race, Reinhart and her Saturn teammates
fought back into contention and looked poised to bring Reinhart to the
line. On the last lap, on the descent into town, Reinhart struck a tree.
She was pronounced dead at 1:27pm.

She was young and had so much talent. Her efforts for the 250,000
overshadowed her other abilities and everyone liked her happy-go-lucky
charm. She was just this week talking about her future and her desire
to not be just a criterium sprinter.

All of the Mercury Cycling Team Family and sponsors give our condolences
to her family and friends.

Proteus.com

Our team had the honor of racing with Nicole and her Saturn team mates
during most of the big races in 2000. She helped our riders to elevate
their desire to race and to challenge their abilities. We owe her a
debt of gratitude.

Additionally, I was honored when Nicole showed up for the second annual
Clarendon Cup in 1999, which she swiftly diposed her challengers in.
Afterward, she kindly obliged the local cable Access Station with an
interview, which she did with the same professionalism she would also
have used had the event been a World Championship, and she was being
interviewed by Phil Ligget.

She returned for the 2000 event, and again, found the top of the podium.
I expected her to remain on the top of that podium for years to come,
until she retired.

As we all deal with our grief over the passing of a vital young woman
like Nicole, it is understandably difficult to focus on anything positive.
As I recall watching her and the scores of other incredibly talented
riders at several events this year, I remember the competitive intensity,
the physical effort, and the selfless teamwork. But more than anything
I remember the pure joy of racing that was so obvious in all of them.
It was easy to see that the brutal travel, year-round training, and
continual sacrifices meant nothing compared with that feeling.

Whether we are sponsors, coaches, racers, or just plain fans, we should
all be thankful for the gift that these young women share with us. Even
those of us who did not know Nicole well know of her gift and her joy.

On behalf of Team 800.COM, Peter Kukula and I would like to offer
our most sincere condolences to Nicole's family and friends, the Saturn
team, and all fans of cycling.

Frank Sadowski
Senior Vice President
800.COM

J. Alain Ferry

Alain Ferry, of Velospeed.com
has set up a similar tribute page to Nicole Reinhart. In addition, if
you care to send wishes to the family.

I am just sending this out to let everyone know that the Mercury Cycling
team is in deep distress after the tragedy that we were forced to watch
in Boston today. Unfortunately for most of us we were the witnesses
of the tragedy first hand. For those of us who knew Nicole, we felt
unable to even attempt to race today. We were happy that the BMC company
decided to call off the men's race. Prior to that we decided to stand
in solidarity with Team Saturn and not start at any cost.

This tragedy has shaken my resolve and at this point I am looking
at retirement from cycling. I am unable to come to terms with what I
saw, and I am only consoled by the fact that it was not one of my Mercury
brothers. At this point, I cannot fathom losing one of the men that
I have ridden and suffered with the past three years. I hope everyone
in Nor Cal will have a thought for Nicole. This is truly not the way
I wanted to see the season come to a close especially with the growth
our team has had this fall.

John Leiswyn

Team Shaklee arrived at the race site around noon, and we got ready
to race on the sidelines just past the finish line. We saw the women
come through at 2 to go. The Saturn women had the race well in control,
setting up Nicole Reinhart. If Nicole won, she'd collect $250,000 bonus
for winning all 4 BMC events. At 1 to go, same thing: several attackers
riding just seconds ahead of a Saturn led main group, now less than
20 women strong. We heard from women who had been dropped that the descent
was fast and dangerous: there had been crashes on many laps. We finished
our team meeting in time to watch the women's finish. Amazingly, Nicole
was nowhere to be seen and the only Saturn woman in the first group
shook her head grimly as she crossed the line. Tina Mayolo of AutoTrader.com
won the sprint. 2 minutes later it was confirmed that Nicole had crashed
on the descent.

I went to do a lap of the course with Seth Pelusi, Tim Johnson and
Peter Wedge. Halfway down the descent, on a straight part of the road,
we ran into a mess of emergency vehicles. I stopped at the far side
of the road. Saturn rider Dede Demet-Barry was standing on the sidewalk
crying, and hugging someone. Nicole was being lifted on a stretcher
into the back of the ambulance. I couldn't see her face. Dede walked
closer to Nicole and I'm sure she was pleading for everything to be
OK. Never did I think that Nicole was even unconscious.

Sobered, I remounted and finished the descent. The men were lining
up. The announcer Jeff Roake called Team Saturn and Mercury to the front
line, but then paused in the usual pre race windup. A couple minutes
later the announcement was made that the start was postponed until 1:45pm.
No reason given. At 1:45 we weren't lining up yet. Rumors went around
that Nicole wasn't breathing after the impact and had to be resuscitated.
There was no news from the hospital.

Mercury director, John Wordin talked to some of the teams about doing
a "ride" instead of a race, allowing Fraser to win and donating the
$250,000 bonus and all prizemoney towards Nicole's hospital bills. None
of us could conceive that it could be worse than just injuries and an
expensive hospital bill. When the announcement came that she had died
and the race was cancelled, everyone started packing up in dumbfounded
silence. About 30 minutes later about 50 riders from the men's field
and several cycling fans boarded their bikes, and we all followed the
Saturn team car around in a lap of mourning. Uninformed groups of cheering
residents lined the course. It was jarring to hear them whistle and
clap.

Just before the tree, I think it was Bart Bowen of Saturn that suddenly
swung off. Moments later he rejoined the group clutching a red flower.
We all stopped at the tree in front of 83 Highland Ave. I didn't even
know Nicole, but I cried when the Saturn boys pinned their numbers to
that flower and placed it at the foot of the tree. I cried for one so
young having been taken from her family, friends, and teammates. While
the rest of us looked on with our helmets in our hands and heavy hearts,
the Saturn boys formed a circle and linked arms. After a few minutes,
we set off and completed the lap. Uncertain clapping awaited us at the
finish line and the loudspeakers played a somber tune. Not much was
said as we all packed up.

Today my wife Dawn had her first day off (in the last 2 weeks) from
her veterinary internship. Despite having a severe cold and on the brink
of total exhaustion, she came to watch the race. We had only known each
other a few months when she came to watch me race the '94 Athens Twilight
Criterium. In front of 25,000 screaming fans, my Coors Light teammates
and I put on a real show and we were leading on the last lap when a
drunk clambered over the barriers to step out right in front of us.
My teammate Chris Huber hit the guy, and I went headfirst into the barrier
at 50kph (30mph). I compressed two vertebrae in my middle back and suffered
for months after that.

Dawn has been my greatest supporter since then despite having seen
firsthand how dangerous this sport can be. I'm one of the most cautious
riders in the peloton. I don't participate in the most insane field
sprints, and am often reminding people that it isn't worth a $2000 trip
to the hospital to win $100 for 8th place. Dawn knows I am careful and
experienced. Then again, so is Frank McCormack but he fought for his
life after a crash in Japan last year. She and I didn't say a word about
it at dinner in Boston or on the way home.

This tragedy today has really taken the wind out of my sails. Now
I know how difficult it must have been for the TdF peloton to continue
after the death of Fabio Casartelli several years ago. It's really hard
to say this right now, but I love this sport and this job. All of us
who promote and participate in bike racing must redouble our efforts
to mitigate the risks.

My prayers are with your family and friends, Nicole, and I know that
you are in a beautiful place now...

Phil Marques

I cannot believe this tragedy. I knew Nicole myself and saw her come
up through the ranks at Trexlertown Velodrome since she was a young
teenager. You have no idea how nice she was and how much people loved
her. Everytime I saw her at a race, she would always smile at me and
say hello. She would always talk to me if I saw her at a motel or in
an elevator.

She was a beautiful person.

Joseph M. Papp

Having known Nicole Reinhart since we were Juniors first racing in
Pennsylvania, I was horrified to learn of her death today at the BMC
Software Grand Prix. While I barely saw Nicole this season, I fondly
remember the time we spent racing on the Vandedrome and at the Pan Am
Championships in Venezuela. She was the classiest of riders and her
death is a terrible loss for us all.

P.B. Stephen

As it was noted, Nicole got her start at bike racing, at the Lehigh
Valley (Trexlertown, PA) Velodrome, known as the best track racing in
the states. There, along the railing, spectators can bring bar stools
and stake claim to great racing action each week during the summer.
The next time I get to venture to the track, I hope that Nicole's parents
will have a seat there for Nicole, as she will always be a part of the
sport for me.

A paradox, she was fiercly competitive on the bike, yet was the most
earthly of people off the bike. Besides her personality, she was intelligent,
and it showed in her bike racing, with smart rides that made the most
of her speed. I also saw a team player, which is why you'll not see
or hear of a bad thing about this incredible person.

Thank you again for letting some of us let you know about her. I hope
that some will search for the best in ourselves and our sport, just
as she did.

Dave Hansen

I didn't know her, have only seen her race a few times, most recently
winning the Manhattan Beach Grand Prix. I guess what comes to mind is
the frailty of life and the knowing that it can be gone at any moment.
We all take the risk when we line up, the possibility of the crash is
always part of the race, but I personally can't say that death has crossed
my mind when racing, it just seems so remote. I have shed tears today
over the death of someone I personally did not know but then felt as
though I did and in the end I guess I had tears because most of the
pictures I have seen of her.....she was smiling. My thoughts and prayers
are with her family.. and Nicole.... God has her now

John Alsedek

At 1:27 pm EST yesterday, Saturn rider Nicole Reinhart was pronounced
dead as a result of multiple head trauma suffered in a crash at the
BMC Tour of Boston. The how and why are best left for another time -
for now, I'd just like to extend the sympathies of the entire 7 UP/Colorado
Cyclist family to the Reinharts, and to Nicole's Saturn mates.

I was in Arlington when it happened, and it was just awful - when I
heard the reports, I thought it was some horrible joke. I'm not alone
in wishing that it had been. However, if there can be any sort of good
to come out of such a tragic loss, I think I saw it yesterday. As the
news circulated among the other racers, the petty bickering inherent
in cycling stopped, to be replaced by, well, a sense of unity, of family.
Riders who might not even speak to each other under different circumstances
found themselves consoling one another- partly because of the realization
that it could have happened to any of them, but mostly because they
suddenly realized that, despite their differences of opinion, they were
all united by a love of cycling....and that they'd lost one of their
own.

So, if we want to truly pay tribute to Nicole, it won't be through
memorial races or trust funds- it'll be through remembering that, despite
our differences, we're all in this sport not in the hopes of being rich
and famous, but because we love it. If we argue a little less and treat
each other a little better, I can't think of a better way to honor Nicole.

Ryan Kelly

Part I

I'm sitting in Portland, OR completely dumbfounded at Nicole's death.
She taught me so much about life and loving. Her passion unsurpassed.
Her goodness. Her fire. Her strength. An angel amongst us for too short
a time. I think of the little silly things and I'm so confused. I've
never felt a person glow the way she did. I am forever grateful for
her in my life. Nicole, hats off. You've always amazed us all.

Love to the extended family (cycling community)

Part II

Since the news of Nicole's death I've exhausted myself with tears
and questions. Rumaged through all the unspoken words between us and
tried to place the fate of why. I find myself looking up. I think because
the sky wanders into the biggest realm of the unknown and if I know
Nicole is not here, feet on the ground, she's got to be there.

Its three a.m. September 20th, and I was just sitting on my front
steps with my roommate. Sleepless and lost, looking up and the most
phenomenal thing happened. It wasn't a shooting star but more like a
falling planet, white hot as the moon with a firey tail and falling
straight down to the earth for no less than 4 or 5 seconds until disappearing
behind the trees. I looked at my roommate to see if I might have maybe
been hallucinating in my pain, but he sat in the same amazement. She
famously waved, smiled, and said hello.

Nicole is sprinting in the sky. Heaven. I had to share the beauty
of her post card.

Dick and Terry Kelly

Nicole lived a huge life. She pursued it with grace, dignity and a
burning passion for the thing she loved most. Her forever smile will
shine in the hearts and minds of the lives she touched. Nicole's involvement
in cycling has made it a better place. She not only was a gifted athlete
- she was a loyal and loving friend to our daughter, Ryan. Nicole nursed
her through a serious injury, helping her to get back up to speed. They
laughed together in good times and bad and when they needed to talk,
they cooked and shared amazing meals. The Reinharts are Ryan's extended
family in T-Town and consistently shared their warmth and hospitality.
We will always be grateful.

Nicole left us at the top of her game, a true champion on the verge
of yet another breakthrough season. If only we could all say that about
ourselves. She was a gift we should all treasure and a star that will
continue to shine upon those still aspiring to reach her level. Pam
and Mike, we can't begin to share your pain, as only a parent can know
but we offer our love and support. Be comforted in the knowledge that
Nicole is a hero who lives in the admiration and love of all who knew
her. She will not be forgotten.

Burke Swindlehurst

I woke up this morning in an unfamiliar hotel room in the dark, as
I often do. And instead of blinking at the light creeping through the
shades, wishing I was home in my own room and bed, I wished it were
yesterday morning and I was still in Boston and that I had just awaken
from only a bad dream. I went down to the lobby and waited for the shuttle
that would take me home. And I tried to forget.

But I couldn't. I picked up the the USA Today and flipped through
it, trying to forget. And there it was. That smile. Her smile. So bright
, that even though it was a small picture, it leapt great heights and
filled me, as it always did in person, with happiness.

We'll miss you.

Denny Yunk

To the family, friends, and teammates of Nicole Reinhart: My teammates
and I wish to offer our deepest sympathies, thoughts, and prayers upon
Nicole's tragic death. As the members of the cycling community may recall,
our teammate, Carl Zach, was killed in a race earlier this summer. Hardly
a day goes by that images of his accident don't still haunt me. No doubt
you are all in a state of shock and disbelief. There's simply no way
to make sense of the death of someone so young and healthy, especially
when it occurs while doing what he or she loved so dearly.

Although I never met Nicole, I've seen her race, and the bond that
she and her teammates shared was obvious. It will be strange riding
without her, but I encourage you to continue, both for your own sakes
and for the sake of her memory. I'm sure she would want it that way.
May she and Carl both ride with the angels.

Clay Moseley

I just finished hearing of Nicole's tragic death from the New Mexico
bike-racing mail group and consequently from the link to cyclingnews.com.
I am sitting here in my office with tears in my eyes and distraught
with grief from the news.

I met Nicole back in the mid-90's when she was just turning senior
from a brilliant junior career. I did not know many of the racers on
the national team and she was always a friendly and happy person, willing
to spend a few moments chatting and wanting to talk about her day's
ride, training, or just home, friends, and family. She was an incredibly
hard worker, often having to be told to rest and do LESS than what she
was doing. I remembered how that motivated me to work HARDER. She was
an inspiration. I remember her very well and how she made my experience
on the national team in 1995 pleasant. I (unbelievably to me!) won a
gold medal in the '95 Pan Am Games; upon returning home, guess who asked
me the most questions about it? I knew she was a special cyclist and
person.

I lost contact with Nicole after all but leaving elite cycling in
'97. I began to get news of Nicole's success and I remembered how that
brightened my day. My thoughts were that it couldn't have happened to
a better person. Cycling is a great sport, and it was made greater by
Nicole's presence.

My rides after work will be spent remembering her for a while. The
news of her death has traveled quite far now and has an effect on anyone
who has ever known her, or even known of her.

If there is anything I can do for her family or in her memory, I'd
like to know. I also appreciate cyclingnews.com for the kind words and
information on this tragic occurrence.

Kiersten, Chris, Douglas
and MaryAnne Johnson

Nicole and I grew up in the same town, went to the same high school,
and progressed through the same developmental cycling program at T-Town.

We trained together, competed together as juniors. After we parted
ways for several years, she to the pro circuit, I to the books, it meant
so much to me to ride with her again in 1999 and 2000. I will never
forget the 1999 points race Nationals, in which Nicole, Jeanne Farrell
and I rode around the top of our home track together - it felt like
old times when we were juniors, when racing our bikes at T-Town was
the purest of fun.

It never occurred to me that it could be one of the last memories
I would have of Nicole to cherish.

Nicole's sweet disposition, her infinite toughness, and the sparkling
brightness of her heart, mind and spirit will never fade - not from
my memory, nor from the memory of anyone fortunate enough to have known
her.

Nicole, sprinter-girl with the big brown eyes, little toughie, sweetheart:
we love you, and you will always stay where have always been... in the
warmest place in our hearts.

John Verrier

I met Nicole at a race in 1999 - she was the winner. She took the time
to speak with me and a really appreciated it. She was a very talented,
nice young woman. We will miss her greatly.

Chuck D.

Nicole and her team mates came to our crit this summer in Syracuse.
As the announcer I read her bio and was amazed at her accomplishments.
Nicole won our race handily and was the racer who most impressed our
local Saturn sponsor [Patti Vinceguerra] because she took it upon herself
to spend time with all the 'kid racers" I got to shake her hand, wish
her good luck,and invite her back .Our sponsor had said 'I want Nicole
back next year"

It was Patti who just called me to tell me that cycling has just lost
a friend.

Jenna Loyd & Jason Salkind

The loss of Nicole Reinhart from our world is still unbelievable. One
realizes that the future one didn't even know one expected will now
be totally different. And in part because Nicole was such a bright part
of that future. I recall Fitchburg Longsjo this year. It was the final
lap of the road race, the final heated climb and Nicole quietly encouraged
me, "Great job hanging in there!" With all the attention that one has
to devote to getting up that last hill, Nicole still had something extra
to offer someone else. And this is but one of the tiniest yet most meaningful
ways in which Nicole has touched our lives.

We offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues
of Nicole. She will be greatly missed by us and the entire cycling community
here; Nicole will not be soon forgotten.

Dwayne Letterman

To Friends and Family of Nicole Reinhart,

When I read about the tragedy of Nicole's death on Cyclingnews I felt
a twinge of pain, but when I saw the pictures of her and read the first
hand account of her death tears began to well in my eyes. This shouldn't
happen to someone so young and beautiful, but it did. Her smile tells
all a lot about her, happy, kind, friendly and enjoying what she was
doing. My heart goes out too her family, friends, and teammates. The
sport of cycling has lost one of it's best. As a father of an 18 year
old daughter, a cyclist and a complete stranger let me say, though it
brings little comfort, how sorry I am.

Michael Mitton

Words can't come close to expressing my sorrow.

God-speed Nicole.

Dan Larson

I am sorry. Winter is early this year. I froze for several minutes
after the icy words first met my eyes. It was a slow shock. I couldn't
fathom... I still can't describe the slow derailment and sinking feeling.
It took some time for the reality to unrefutably reveal it's ugliness.

It was the many smiles and hellos at the velodrome that brought my
tears. The track will be a colder place for me...

Mike Creed, Sr., Michael
Creed Jr.

Nicole Reinhart's death came as a great shock to all of us here in
Colorado and to a group of young American cyclists in Belgium that learned
of the tragedy via the internet. Our hearts and prayers go out to the
Reinhart's family. Our cycling community is a very close knit group,
we may not always agree with each other, but when a tragedy of this
magnitude happens it becomes apparent what we all share in our hearts,
the love of a sport that can be so hard and yet potentially tragic.

Life is fragile and Nicole lived it to the fullest and was well aware
of risks. She died doing what she loved best... racing her bike. Most
of us if we had the choice would probably choose to go out doing something
we had such a passion for, but for someone so young and full of life
it is very difficult for all of us to understand or accept. Having known
Nicole and her family for years and her stay as a guest in our home
makes it even more difficult for us to accept. Nicole was one of the
most talented, fun-loving, and caring persons we have ever known.

Honor Nicole everyday by embracing life and family as much as she
would day in and day out. When you go out the next few days on your
bike, as hard as it may be think of Nicole, not in sadness, but in joy.
The sunshine, fresh air and the feel of being out on your bike is what
Nicole enjoyed so much, and remember that Nicole is with all of us everyday.
We will miss you Nicole, God be with you.

Steven Bonadio

I live in Arlington, about a kilometer from what was the start/finish
area. As an amateur racer myself, I was so excited to have the big names
in US professional cycling coming to my town for a race, as were all
the other racers I know in this town and in the area. We had been talking
about it often ever since the course was announced earlier this summer.

I regularly do hill repeats on the hill that was used for the course.
It's well known in the local area and people come from miles around
to beat themselves up on that hill. There are many ways to get to the
top where the QOM spot was. When I do repeats, I generally go up the
hill against the direction of the BMC course. I go through the intersection
where Nicole made her last turn and continue up to the QOM spot. The
area right after that turn is quite steep. I'm guessing 10 to 12% for
about 30 or 40 meters and then it gets easier for the remaining 300
meters as you approach the top and the QOM.

After my repeats are done, I go down the hill in the direction of
the course, make a left turn (just as the course does) and continue
down Highland Avenue, through the turn that Nicole would have made in
another few seconds, to the main road and home. You can imagine that
Nicole's group had a good amount of speed going into the first turn
due to the hill and then they continued to blast away on the slight
downhill leading up to the next turn. The turn that she didn't get to.

I go past the location where she crashed and that damn tree often
but of course it never meant anything to me. It was just another piece
of lawn and just another small tree on a street with fifty lawns and
probably one hundred trees. Until yesterday afternoon. I don't think
I'll ever be able to ignore that portion of the road again.

In light of all this, several of us here have been thinking about
why we race. We're not professionals. We don't get paid to do it. We
don't get paid to take chances. We're out there to have some good clean
fun and we have to go to work on Monday morning. It could happen to
any of us in a blink of an eye. God, this makes you think a lot about
why you race.

There is some talk of organizing a memorial ride within my club. Maybe
get some people from some of the other local clubs too. Go up the hill
to the QOM, stop at the spot, come down. Perhaps this Saturday.

A fan

I have watched Nicole at T-Town, grow from a junior to one of the
few riders who's presence radiated beyond the track. If only we could
all embody her combination of grace and tenacity.

Douglas Sheppard

When you met Nicole Reinhart, you where struck by her readiness to
talk about the things that mattered, no matter how big or small. I had
the pleasure of catching her just prior to the women's race at the Chris
Thater Memorial, last month. She was about to go one-on-one with a female
national champion in-line speed skater, all out in a 400-yard dash.
Nicole of course was thrilled to lend her name and sprinting expertise
to an event with a good cause. We talked about her not making the Olympic
team, a slight it may have been, but as Nicole shrugged and said "it
may have been political. I'm happy for those who made the team. I have
four more years to prove myself."

You see, like many of the cyclist's to come out the ranks of the Lehigh
Valley Velodrome cycling community, Nicole had eleven national championships
to her name. But, that was on the track. The road needed more time,
more miles, more victories. I had photographed the Junior Nationals
here at the Velodrome and was witness to her brother Tim and his transformation
into a powerful sprinting force. Nicole beamed with pride at the thought
that Tim could give another Lehigh Valley resident, Marty Nothstein,
and a sprint for his money. Collectively, the mood at the Lehigh Valley
Velodrome offices was one of a heavy heart today.

As Pat McDonough, the head of Lehigh Valley Velodrome put it "Nicole
was a unique combination of a person who didn't put themselves first.
A rarity for an athlete these days". One of Nicole's last acts of kindness
was to donate her organs, so that another human being could be afforded
the gift of life. Plans are being made to establish a memorial fund
in her name. A memorial service will likely be held at the Lehigh Valley
Velodrome at the end of this week.

David Dew

I was devastated to hear the news of Nic's death and I am still struggling
to come to terms with it. By spending many seasons in North America
and at T-Town I was one of the fortunate ones to have known Nic and
watch her develop into a brilliant cyclist. I still sit here in amazement
as I recall the way in which she used to race and the way she could
handle her bike in the tightest situations.

But it's not the loss of a great cyclist that is so upsetting to me,
it's the loss of the most beautiful person. I will always remember Nic
for her warm, friendly smile and great personality, its these memories
that will remain with me for a lifetime.

My thoughts are with her Family right now and I can barely comprehend
what a feeling of loss they must be going through. I hope that they
can take strength in the knowledge that their Daughter's beautiful nature
touched many people.

Rest Peacefully Nic.

Myke Berna

The tragedy that struck the cycling community as well as Nicole's
family is still unbelievable to me. It seems so unreal, as though it
is all a bad dream. For how could something this horrific happen in
real life. The reality of it all is sinking in slowely, through flashes
of her smiling face and laugh which make me smile, then followed by
the realization that I will only have memories of her smile and the
sadness that overcomes me crushes me into tears. Still after days it
is just so unbelievable. It really hits me hardest when I think that
it could've just as easily happened to one of my riders, not to say
that it is better the way it is now, but the reality just hits harder.

One of my riders did in fact go down in the early crash and had to
be taken to the hospital. Upon arriving at the hospital to pick her
up I heard about the severity of Nicole's crash. All I could do was
hug my rider being so glad that she was ok and not more seriously hurt.
Sometimes we forget that life is so precious. It is a shame that it
takes such a tragedy to make us realize it.

I too was, and still am, touched by Nicole's drive for competition
while maintaining such a glow of warmth off the bike. Everyone who knew,
and even ones who did not know Nicole, are shaken to their core with
the realization that such a fine person has left us. Nicole will be
deaply missed in the peleton and in the group rides for years to come.
Nicole had such an appreciation for life, I wish everyone could have
met her to experience the glow we talk about. Nicole was one of those
people that no matter your mood, a flash of her smile would warm your
soul and let you know that everything will work out.

I for one will never forget this wonderfull woman. Eventhough our
times together were short, she will always have a place in my heart
and my memories. I wish to God I could hear her laugh and see her smile
for one more time. I know Nicole is in a better place right now, I just
want her to know how much she's meant to so many of us. You will be
forever missed. And forever loved.

Myke Berna
Schwab Cycling Team Director

Joe Masser

I woke up tired Monday morning to a ringing phone, it was a friend
asking if I knew what had happened to Nicole - I didn't. He said he
thought she had died. I hoped he was wrong, but how could he have been?
Who could've spread a rumor like that if it wasn't true?

I grew up racing with Nicole at the Lehigh Valley Velodrome and we
were teammates throughout our junior years in the Future Champions Cycling
Club. She was always a special rider and a special person - everyone
who knew her knows that, but that is generic talk and Nicole deserves
better than that. Nicole was the star. You suspected it before you even
saw her ride, pony-tail bobbing in time with her pedal stroke. It was
in the ease of her gait, in the sincerity of her smile and in her eyes
- eyes that somehow allowed you to believe that you were a star too
as you looked into them.

By knowing Nicole you were always privvy to the benefits of her aura.
I'll never forget being the envy of my Jr. National teammates at Redlands
in '95 when I got a hug from her before the start of the Lake Perris
Circuit Race. To them she was somebody important and that gesture was
something special. They were right, but that was just Nicole. It was
just Nicole too, who told me once as an awkward junior, "Don't ever
change Joey, I like you just like you are." Those words from the great
Nicole Reinhart . . . I think the fact that I can repeat them verbatim
over six years later speaks for the significance they held over me at
the time.

The last time I saw her was at Fitchburg this year in the parking
lot of the Motel 6. It had been a while since I had seen her and I contemplated
mentioning to her how much those words of hers had meant to me as a
gangly youth. Regretfully, I did not. Instead I talked to her in the
familiar way - updating her on my latest insignificant results and my
plans to race in Europe and all the while allowing those brown eyes
to convince me that there were two stars standing in that parking lot
when really, there was only one.

Daniel Lim

It just doesn't feel right that it took something of this magnitude
for me to finally get in contact with Nicole's family. When I used to
live in Trexlertown, Nicole's family took me in and her little brother
was like a pesky little brother to me. We are practically the same age;
Nicole was five months older than me. It drains me to think that this
vivacious, cheerful girl is no longer among us. For those who knew her,
we are better off. To be a good child, one usually has incredible parents
and it was so true in this case. Mr. and Mrs. Reinhart did a tremendous
job in raising two excellent bike racers whose talents were only overshadowed
by their character. My deepest sympathies go to Nicole's younger brother
and her parents. May her warmth provide some solace in these darkest
of days.

Brian Miller

It has taken me all day and much of the night to finally sit down
and write something about this. I, like most, have been at such a loss.
I worked for the Saturn Cycling Team from '97 through '99 and as a result
with Nicole during my last season.

I remember how she came into training camp in January '99 like a bright
ray of sunshine on a dreary day. Each new person she met during that
time she treated with great interest, respect, and kindness. Here she
was, the new kid on the block, and yet everyone was drawn to her. From
management, to staff, to riders, all were inexplicably drawn to her
positive demeanor, her care, her friendliness.

I remember many, many good times with Nicole. Bright golden nuggets
of time spent in a hectic lifestyle on the road. In Killington that
year I drove the team car in the women's caravan while Nicole battled
a course not entirely suited to her talents. She was dropped (although
not badly, but just bad enough) on the Brandon Gap climb and as I went
around her and offered encouragement and a bottle she said, "stretch
that caravan, Brian, I'm serious!!"

She had every intention of clawing her way back to the field, you
see, and knew that if she made it over the top with the caravan that
she stood a chance. It was not to be on this day, and she rode the rest
of the stage alone, with only one bottle as I was really busy much farther
up the road. After waiting for her at the finish of the stage at the
top of Killington Moutain, I apologized for leaving her alone out there
with so little to drink with so far to go. It had bothered me the entire
race.

"Oh," she said having apparently not thought anything of it, "it's
OK, Brian, I know you were busy." Then, as she turned to ride back to
the hotel she whimsically said, "You know Brian, one day I'm gonna learn
how to climb these hills!!" I certainly wish she hadn't learned how
to climb as well as she did, and being a sprinter in a crit happy country
she really didn't HAVE to, but it certainly wasn't in her character
to not try.

Earlier this year I swung through Redlands on vacation to say hi to
the Saturn gang. I missed the women's race and was upset because I wanted
to say hi to Nicole, even if for just a moment. I finally caught up
with her at the team hotel the next morning as the they were packing
up to head up the coast. "Hi skinny," she said brightly when she spotted
me, and got up on obviously achy legs to give me a big hug. It was a
small gesture but one with a lot of meaning for I realize now how she
had the ability to make whomever she was greeting or talking to feel
like the most important person to her at that time. She didn't have
to get up off that curb to greet me the way she did, but once again
I don't think it was in her character not to.

Nicole was a bright, bright light burning for much too short a time.
She was a jewel to be cherished. I am so thankful to have met her, interacted
with her, known her, laughed with her, learned from her.

My deepest sympathies to her family, her loved ones, her teammates,
her friends, and all those that were touched by this angel in some way.

Ben and Meredith

Disbelief, bewilderment, shock, denial, and deep, heart-felt pain.
Those are the feelings that immediately coursed throughout my body after
reading the news of Nicole's tragic death.

I remember the first time that I talked to Nicole was earlier this
year when I rode with her and her friend, Jenny Reed, here in Oakland.
Riding with a professional female cyclist was certainly a bit intimidating
for me at first, but Nicole's sweet demeanor and wonderful personality
quickly put me at ease. Over the course of the year I was fortunate
enough to ride with Nicole several more times around the East Bay and
also got to talk with her a bit more at the races. I will certainly
miss her beautiful smile, her graciousness, and her gracefulness on
the bike.

My heart goes out to the Reinharts, the Eisentrauts, and all those
who were touched by her presence. In the world of athletics, the cycling
community is a small one and we all will dearly miss Nicole. Her spirit
and energy will certainly live on.

David Taylor

Being the camerabike driver for many professional races, including
some of the BMC races, I was shocked and saddened to here of her death.
She was an incredible rider who counted on to be a contender at the
finish. My deepest sympathies to her family, friends and team mates.
She will be missed.

Michael Barry, Saturn

Thoughts:

In the last three years I have had the opportunity to hang out with
my wife, Dede, and the Saturn girls while at the races and on the road.
During that time I learned a lot from them and their motivation, dedication
and team spirit inspired me and many of the guys. We looked up to them
as they are an incredible group of girls with an intense fire of passion
burning inside.

Nicole was a spark inside this fire. She was an ebullient star whose
warmth and light shone on each and every member of the Saturn Team and
cycling community. She was always up and happy.

This spring we were put up in host housing while in California. It
was raining and cold and the early season racing was tiring but each
morning Nicole was up and smiling, ready to tackle the day with effervescence.

Her smile touched millions of people and will continue to inspire
me for the rest of my life. And when I look up in the sky and see the
stars I know that the one shining brightest is the one she has lit.

Thank you Nicole for bringing such positivity to my life, our team,
our sport and to this world. Your smile has lifted us all.

Dede Demet Barry, Saturn

Thoughts:

On September 17, 2000 Nicole Reinhart went out like a shooting star.
She was pursuing her dreams in the sport she loved. She was going for
one of the biggest wins of her career. She was more fit and better prepared
than I had ever seen her. Her energy was emanating from the time she
awoke with a big smile to the final moments in Arlington as she was
racing like a champ. Nicole's last hours are some of the best I ever
experienced with her.

Nicole was a passionate person. She joined Team Saturn in 1999 and
it was at this time I really got to know her. From the first day of
training camp she was like a wide-eyed kid in a candy shop loving every
moment of each experience. Her radiant smile would light up every room
she walked into. She had fire and drive on the bike and a relaxed demeanor
off the bike. She was sweet to everyone and her presence has always
given me a warm feeling.

Nicole had many successes on the track before becoming a road sprinter
on Team Saturn. When she first joined Saturn she was insecure about
her abilities on the road; but, driven by the new challenges she would
face. Her nerves were trembling in our first race of the ‘99 season
when she was to be the designated sprinter. She had been used to pursuing
wins on her own and not having the pressure of the whole team behind
her. She was timid and seemed scared, but we all believed in her abilities.
It took a few races before we were all able to click, but the confidence
of the team finally carried over to her and with her abundance of talent,
in two years she was able to mature into one of the best road sprinters
in the United States.

Nicole has touched the hearts of thousands of people around the world
through her performances on the bike and she has been an inspiration
to all of us who had the opportunity to get to know her.

Nicole pursued everything with all her heart. She always gave her
best effort. I feel fortunate to have been a part of some of her finest
moments in sport. In Arlington, Nicole was very close to accomplishing
a goal she had strived for all year. Everything was on track for another
win. I could hear the confidence and excitement in her voice as she
spoke to us in the radios throughout the race. She was totally in control.
She exuded her style and grace even in her final moments as she went
out like a shooting star, but her spirit will remain in the hearts and
minds of each and every one of us and her spectacular smile will never
fade away.

Cybil DiGuistini

It is late, and here I lie trying to fathom the last two days. I am
in disbelief. Things like this are not supposed to happen in North America.
People are just not supposed to die while racing. It was so unexpected,
we wear helmets, and it is not like we were descending the Alps of Europe.
Why?

Sunday's race was supposed to be for two fabulous riders, Nicole,
and Gord, to show their stuff. Relatives gathered prepared for a celebration...How
could this happen? I keep replaying the race in my head.

What if there had been hay? What if the race had finished on the climb?
What if the course had not been changed? I wished that when Nicole crashed
with me earlier in the race that she had stayed with me why?

None of my questions or thoughts can change anything. The end result
is final. It could have been any of us. Having this happen in the women's
pelaton, and in North America has really hit home.

My heart truly goes out to every Saturn rider, and family member.
I could not imagine seeing one of my own mates laying there. I could
not imagine this ever happening to any rider. Oh my god, it is just
so shocking and hard to absorb.

I did not know Nicole well, she was a fellow rider who always wore
a smile, our conversations always upbeat and pleasant. Her death is
tragic. I cannot think of a single thought or thing that will make this
empty feeling in my heart go away. I pray that her smile, bright and
beautiful, will last forever.

I would like to send my deepest condolences on behalf of the whole
Elita squad.

Justin Lucke

Our revels now are ended. These, our actors,
As I foretold you, were all spirits, and
Are melted into air, into thin air;
And like the baseless fabric of this vision,
The cloud capp'd towers, the gorgeous palaces,
The solemn temples, the great globe itself,
Yea all which it inherit, shall dissolve
And, like this insubstantial pageant faded,
Leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff
As dreams are made on, and our little life
Is rounded with a sleep.

The Tempest, Act IV, Scene i.

Truly, there are no words to describe the emotion that stirs when
news of the death of a fellow cyclist reaches me. The breath left my
body and time lost relevance as I read of the details of Nicole's death.
The power and strength of emotion that lies beneath the surface of our
sport rose up in me, and displaced all temporal knowledge, leaving me
instead empty, and without reference as the words that described her
passed beneath my eyes.

I am simply stunned.

But then, out of this tragedy, BMC makes the extraordinary gesture
of donating the prize money to fund a foundation to help up and coming
cyclist, to continue Nicole's legacy with a new generation. This show
of support will help to mind the cycling community together in the face
of this loss, and will, in her memory, seek to spread the joy of her
name, her style, her grace and her intelligence, to legions of new riders.

While I did not know her, I have felt the harsh bite of the pavement,
and I have known the still, stale air of the emergency room in a bloodied
state of semi-consciousness. While teetering there on the brink between
life and death, lost in the gray haze we find in our own minds in those
lost moments, where all cyclists someday seem destined to find themselves,
most often, we pull back.

So when we hear of that one cyclist who could not pull back out of
the haze, who got lost and wandered over the border never to return,
we can all feel that. We all share in that moment. For once you have
confronted those barriers within yourself, it simply not possible to
sit passively by and regard the passing of life with a bare animal curiosity.
We are participants in this drama, and as it unfolds all of our lives
are bound up in its twists and turns, carried on the wave of emotion,
and, as has happened here, left stranded on some high, dry place, eyes
seared with tears, circled in dust and doubt, seemingly alone.

That is why I cried when I read of the fund for young cyclists. She
did not pass in vain, she will live on, she will continue to inspire.
Thank you to BMC, thank you to everyone that has written and will write,
thank you to all those who have felt and heard and shared in this outpouring
of emotion in this time of struggle, you have provided a raft, a guide,
a signpost in the wilderness to pull us from tragedy and lead us toward
redemption. That is why, despite the insubstantial nature of this little
life, Nicole in passing leaves behind a legacy that will, in coming
years, spread to the beyond the confines of our insubstantial pageant,
and enrich us all with the memory of her joy and passion.

Thomas Nagy

When I received the call on Sunday I could not believe the news that
something like this could happen. Every weekend we line up looking forward
to the challenge ahead, laughing and joking with our friends. Maybe
we only see them on weekends, but we expect to see them every weekend
from March till September. We take it for granted. In nine years of
racing I never once thought about a tragedy like this occurring to myself,
teamates or friends. At times we all get a little too serious about
the sport and say or do things that we later regret. We all must remember
that it is a sport and we ride and race because we love to compete.
Cycling makes us feel alive. Nicole loved the sport of cycling, which
was obvious by her smile while competing. She was living her passion;
her dream. Hopefully we can all take some comfort in that she was doing
what she most enjoyed; and most likely she was smiling.

The frailty of life hit me when I got home from work on Monday, looked
into my mailbox and picked up my copy of "The Ride" magazine. I look
forward to the magazine due to the local flavor, but on the cover was
a headline referring to Nicole. This was obviously a pre Arlington Race
article which made it all the worse. It took me a while to pick up the
magazine and read the article. While reading the article it was haunting
to read about how she looked forward to this race, the off season and
spending time in California. Then the tribute during the Olympic cycling
events was broadcast which confirmed how she was loved and well respected
in life and the cycling community.

We have all lost a wonderful person but let us take away her love
for the sport of cycling and life and apply that to our lives.

On behalf of the Target-ICE Cycling Team we express our deepest sympathies
to Nicole's family and friends.

Sandra,Johnny & Brice
Jones

To Nicole's Parents,

We visited with Nicole in Downers Grove, just as we did each time
we saw her at a cycling event. You raised such a wonderful, friendly
young woman. As a parent of a child who has grown up on a bike I understand
how deeply cycling has been a part of your lives. I know that you all
were more excited and happier over Nicole's victories and successes
that she was, and you also felt the pain more deeply than she did when
she had a bad day.

She was happy and loved what she was doing. Her life was in the fast
lane pushing the envelope. Realize that you did not hold her back, you
let her soar! She saw the world and had friends everywhere.

We are so sad and I am thinking of her constantly, as cycling is our
life also. Brice called from Belgium as soon as he heard and could not
believe she was gone. They were good friends, having spent time in the
track program together. He has gone down a few times this year, the
last time in a sprint, but the desire to race is still there. Nicole
would not want all of her friends fires to go out. She would want them
to continue to race to the best of their abilities.

She will always be in our hearts!

Zuishu Hanafusa

Dear Nicole,

My love goes to you and your family in darkness and lightness of times.
Your passion lives within me...

Mark Goveia

I really don't know what to say. This is so hard to take in. My thoughts
and Prayers go out to the Reinhart family. Having raced in Trexlertown
several years myself I always remember the Reinhart family being there
for each other. I don't believe there could be a closer family. Which
makes it all that much more grieving. I can't comprehend what they are
going through. I know that for myself I will always be thankful that
I had the chance to know Nicole. She always brightened up my day even
if just to say hello or make small conversation. It was a amazing to
see someone with so much talent, and work ethic, rise to the top of
her sport.

I know that in Trexlertown it was a very close community and she touched
many people, the extent to which we can never know. She well always
be remebered by myself and everyone that knew her.

My deepest condolences to her family, the Saturn Cycling team, and
the U.S cycling community.

Adam Haverstock

Nicole Reinhart. My coach Phil called me with the news, and it made
me drop to the floor instantly. I had just called her and left a message
the other day... We were finally going to get to ride together now that
our seasons were finishing up...we had been planning on riding over
to Half Moon Bay and down the coast for the longest time as a sort of
"end of season finale."

I'm still going on that ride. Nothing could keep me from it. It will
mean more to me now than ever before.

Nicole was a great athlete and role model for women in our sport.
She was fierce and competitive on her bike, yet genuine and down to
earth. She was always friendly and kind. She never looked down at cyclists
who were not at her level of skill. Her words were always encouraging,
never demeaning. Nicole was a real stand up gal in my book. She was
exactly the type of person I respect and admire as an athlete and human
being.

Even though she would never tell me what gear she used in the 200m
on the track, she has always had my utmost respect as a competitor who
modeled decorum in women's sports. She will be missed by all those whose
path she came across.

To Nicole and her family; take comfort in knowing the impact you have
had on people and how wonderful a person your daughter is in our memory.

Jim Young

Remembering.

I remember Nicole's first Tuesday night at T-Town. She was a skinny
little kid that was so excited she vibrated. No one knew that for years
after, the rest of us would vibrate when she raced. She was electric,
she truly loved to race and it infected everyone around her.

Over the next few years I watched her play hockey and run track and
of course ride. She did it all with a delightful obvious joy. But racing
her bike was what she liked best. Notice I said racing - she wasn't
always thrilled about training back then. I remember telling my son
Matt to force her to finish the hilly training rides. Matt and the other
boys in the FCCC would pull Nicole up the hills by grabbing her saddle
and dragging her up the hills so she could maintain contact with the
pack.

Nicole started to win National Championships after her first year
of racing and she began to get offers from other teams, teams that could
offer more support than FCCC. Even though she became a hot commodity
and wore other team's colors, Nicole always kept her ties to FCCC. She
was one of the T-Town kids and very proud of it.

By the time she was 16 she was winning everything, representing us
at Junior Worlds and travelling alot. She always came home with eyes
full of wonder and stories to tell. The great thing was that she never
changed. She was still that little girl who loved to race.

I remember times when she did things that amazed herself. Like the
first time she won a Friday night Miss and Out. We had talked about
a strategy and when she made it work she was amazed.

I remember the early spring training session on the track when she
crashed and skinned her back the day before her prom. She had a backless
dress that showed a big patch of road rash.

She often came to my office and we'd talk about her future. She wanted
to go to college but the racing didn't alllow her the time to really
do it full time. I remember when she deciced to sign with Saturn and
become a roadie full time. We laughed together about her love of hills
when she was a kid.

I remember that when she would return to T-Town she still seemed to
know all the kids, and she always had time to talk to them.

Mostly I remember that she never changed from that wonderful little
girl though she had matured into a woman, a very special woman. It was
very easy to love Nicole because you were sure she loved you back. She
loved her family and her friends and her sport. We are all diminished
by her passing and blessed to have been in her life.

I always called her Nickle, goodby Nickle, I love you.

Jason Sellars

As I read through various cycling related web sites today, I learned
of the tragic death of Nicole Reinhart. I had never met her and had
only heard of her in passing a few times. As I continued to read, especially
letters by those who did know her, I found myself moved to tears. The
cycling community has lost a bright and shining light that cannot be
replaced.

This random, senseless accident could have happened to anyone in the
field and leaves you dumbfounded. How could it have been prevented?
It makes you want to do SOMETHING. But what? For myself, a vow: To never
give up this sport that I love, to savor every moment of every ride
no matter how painful, to take the emotion I felt today and channel
it into my cycling. Nicole can't race anymore, I will race for her.
watch out.

The Staff at Gita North,
Canada

Our deepest sympathies to the Reinhart family. Our prayers are with
you.

Diane Sanda

A very deep, shocking to loss the cycling world, I send my deepest
condolences to the Reinhart family. I am a fairly new fan of road cycle
racing, and Nicole Reinhart was the winner of the first professional
road race I've ever seen which was here in my home city of San Jose,
California. It was an exciting race, Nicole was a talented, fantastic
and spirited athlete, and from these attributes that I saw in her as
a racer that day, it shined through that she was a genuinly spirited,
kind and fun loving person as well. This photo I took of Nicole as she
crossed the finish line as the winner of the BMC Grand Prix of San Jose
held in June of this year.

Steve Mer

As a parent and a member of the cycling family and having lost a loved
one I know that there is little consolation in words. I hold to the
hope that "we" will be reunited in the future.

Barbara Hudetz

I was there in Arlington sharing space with Pam and Mike Reinhart
at the Start/Finish, screaming and cheering and acting silly. We bonded
instantly because we shared something very unique - we were parents
of Saturn Women. And I will be forever bonded to the Reinharts because
I shared the last two hours of their beautiful daughter's life with
them. Nicole inherited her grace, charm and personality from those two
incredible people. They were so proud of their daughter. They would
drive 8 or 9 hours just to see her ride a two hour crit.

When Nicole crashed early in the race, their demeanor did not change
for a second because they knew her team would get her back in the winning
pack and they knew she still could pull it off. And when they announced
that she had taken the lead coming up the last hill we all cheered ourselves
hoarse.

But when she didn't cross the finish line first, we all became silent.
When they said Saturn riders were down, we froze. Pam and Mike left
when they said Nicole had crashed. Mike was confident that Nicole would
be fine. I waited...and waited...for my daughter, Julie Hanson, to cross
that finish line. She didn't come...and didn't come. I heard sirens.

Finally a Saturn car pulled up delivering a sobbing Julie into my
arms. "Mom - it's really bad. She was like a sister to me." Julie sat
on the curb and sobbed for 10 minutes. When I knew Julie was okay, all
I could think about was that other mother, Pam Reinhart. Saturn's Andy
took Julie to the hospital - we followed. When we got there Julie was
waiting outside the emergency room. She said "she didn't make it." I
have not been the same since I heard those words. I cannot shake this
gloom that has engulfed me. I heard Mike Reinhart, Nicole's father,
offer the most beautiful prayer in the presence of the Saturn team and
staff. I heard him encourage those sobbing, grief struck cyclists to
press on. How does one do that?

Nicole was mature beyond her years. She loved life and everyone around
her. She crossed generations in her ability to exude warmth. She played
peek-a-boo with my 18 month old granddaughter and charmed my 80 year
old mother. Nicole was an outstanding cyclist but more than that, she
was an outstanding woman. There is a void in the hearts of all those
who knew her. My heart aches for her family and friends.

Kelvin Waddis

After many years of reading about Nicole in USA Cycling, VeloNews,
and other cycling pubs, I was always a big fan for Nicole's. Upon reading
in the Velonews she was contracted by the Saturn Cycling team, I felt
this was going to be the one to watch grow and flourish into a seasoned
professional and she did just that.

I was on vacation in Las Vegas Nevada upon hearing the tragic news
about Nicole, I was completely stunned, I had to sit down on my hotel
bed. I could not move for at least an hour.

To Reinhart family, my deepest sympathy, Prayers go out to you I feel
your pain I just recently lost my mom so I know your pain. Nicole is
forever etched in the memory of all who have come to know her. When
you're feeling down look to the fond memories of Nicole, fun times during
her childhood, the laughter the jokes, all of those good times you've
had with her those are the things that will help ease some of the pain.

To the Saturn Team, I also want express my deepest sympathy, and Prayers,
you've lost more than just team mate, but a sister also. We did not
lose Nicole but she has become an example for so many of us to smile
more and enjoy life. Nicole's beautiful smile and bubbly personality
is forever engraved in our hearts, our minds, and our spirits, She's
a star that will shine forever burning brightly.

Judy and Dave Miller

I will always remember Nicole with the great smile on her face and
her competitiveness. From the time when she was racing as a little girl
on Tuesday nights at the Lehigh Valley Velodrome, to watching her in
the BMC races, I will always remember her smile. She would see me walking
toward her and she always had time to say "hello Mr. Miller." Our small
talk before the race now becomes only a memory, but one that I will
always remember.

As Nicole advanced in her level of racing I officiated at more and
more of her races. I was officiating during the tragic race Sunday,
but I will always remember the tough and determined look she had that
day. The look was the same as the one in the early days of racing, with
just some age added on. Judy and I will always miss you. When the next
little girl comes to the velodrome for the first time, we can always
tell her about "Nicole" and what she did while starting on tuesday nights.

Love ya!

Raymond Spore

It has taken me a few days to finally get a clearer head following
the tragic news about Nicole. I heard about it approximately one hour
after the accident had occurred. Via cell phone, my very shaken wife
gave me a call from the race site. She called to let me know that physically
she was O.K., and she had just pulled off one of her best finishes of
the year. But mentally, that was a different story! I too was shaken
because of the reality that Caren was just to the side and back of Nicole,
and unfortunately got to witness the whole event first hand. She is
telling me that even days later, she is still having nightmares about
the incident.

This whole event is hard to understand and imagine, and even harder
to believe. Unfortunately we cannot do anything to turn back the clock,
and erase this event from happening. If we could, god knows that we
would! But with the time that we spent around Nicole, we feel that we
were very lucky. She left us all too soon with some fun and lasting
memories. Those are what I will try to remember about her. I will always
remember her smile and funny sense of humor. Such a humble and talented
athlete.

At Manhattan Beach G.P. this year, as Caren, Pam Schuster, and Nicole
were standing on the podium, with all eyes on them. Pam was giggling
and joking about how slow that her sprint was. Saying that she had to
start her sprint with half a mile to go so that she could still see
Caren and Nicole at the finish line! Caren commented that "I gave Nicole
ten feet, and she took a mile!".

Nicole would just listen, smile and graciously blow off the compliments.
She was confident, but never rubbed it in anyone's face. The three of
them were standing on the podium, flowers were handed to Nicole, and
the crowd was quiet listening to the announcer. Then, after the pictures
were taken, the race people hand Nicole the winner's jersey for her
to put on. She begins to oblige. She is fumbling with her huge bouquet
of roses, all eyes on her as she desperately tries to put on this darn
jersey.

As she gets the thing almost on, in complete silence of the crowd,
cameras clicking, news cameras rolling film for later broadcast, the
announcer begins talking once again. But this time he is not talking
about the women's race any longer, but has moved on to start announcing
the men's pro race. Nicole, now three quarters flustered with this jersey,
the time pressure and everyone watching, all added to the obvious change
in the announcers attention, says with this soft, sweet voice and smile,
"I guess we have overstayed our welcome girls!".

Nothing more than an innocent statement from a very wonderful girl.
I am going to miss seeing her at the races, and being able to tell Caren
to "grab Nicole's wheel, she will take you to the front!" The world
has lost a really cool person and unique friend.

God speed Nicole

George Retseck

Nicole Reinhart lived a life that is a gift to many. I first met Nicole
when she took time out of her busy National team schedule to give a
talk to inspire our club of Junior riders. It was really a special thing
to have a person that had won so many races and National championships
to take an interest in these young riders. Nicole will be sorely missed
because she was not only a Champion of Cycling but a Champion of Life.
She saved her competitiveness for when she was on the bike.

Today there are a lot of good athletes, but athletes that carry themselves
with grace at the same time are a rare breed. Nicole was always outgoing
and ready to say hi and ask how I was doing, She always made others
feel important too. I thank her for her good example she gave to us
and willinness to pass on her knowledge to young riders. If you have
ever met her parents or brothers you know why Nicole was so great! Thank
you to her family, her life is a gift we will always remember!

Alaric Gayfer

I had the pleasure of coaching Nicole when she just started getting
serious at T'town and she got as great as she was by hard work and perseverance.Often
when I sense that some other rider might be doubting their ability to
improve or even their reason in being out on a particularly tough ride
I gently remind them of the time, in the middle of winter when we commenced
training, of having to push Nicole up various hills to get her round.
This inevitably has the required effect of putting the glint in the
eyes and having the rider bear down to the task at hand which Nicole
got remarkably good at.

In these days of swashbuckling swagger Nicole's calm demeanour, even
in the face of adversity,were a tribute to her Christian upbringing
and it was immensely satisfying to constantly read about her road exploits
in between seeing her during return visits to regain her track legs
back east. No doubt Nicole is encouraging and praising still wherever
she has found her new home.

Alaric Gayfer
Directeur Sportif, East Coast Velo

Tim Hadfield

It gives me great sadness and brings tears to my eyes to hear of the
death of Nicole Reinhart. I didn't know Nicole personally but everyone
at the T-town Velodrome new Nicole. If you would see her on the track
she would always give you a hello and a smile. She would radiate of
someone who was happy racing and riding her bike, someone who was happy
with her life. My condolences go out to the Reinhart family and friends.

Sergey Kurdukov

We live in the road. Some of us are privileged to die in the road.
But for a nice and young girl like you it's horribly unfair. And yet
- you'll always be with us in every pack and breakaway. Come on, take
the wheel and then attack the way you did in the past! You'll be first
across the line as long as we are alive. As long as this dangerous but
magnificent sport is alive. Till the end of times.

Sergey Kurdukov
Russian Eurosport commentator

David H Genest

Nicole served as a wonderful role model to our young female cyclists.
Her friendliness, competitive spirit and significant accomplishments
will be well remembered and used to guide the next generation of professional
female cyclists.

Nicole will be missed dearly, but never forgotten.

David H Genest
Director TREK Women's Cycling Team

Adam York

Our thoughts and prayers reach out to Nicole's family and her many
many friends within the cycling community. In her final moments, Nicole,
along with the help of Team Saturn were truly an inspiration as they
banded together to overcome their earlier setback. It was a performance
we will never forget. Our hearts are heavy with grief. Nicole shall
forever remain a true champion.

Adam York,
Saturn of Medford

Joe Vasiliou

I've spent the past few days scanning the internet for more information,
as it unfolds, about the tragedy in Arlington. Like many who have written
earlier, I had never actually met Nicole but had only seen her race
at the BMC crit in San Jose. When she was called to the starting line
and was introduced, I remembered thinking what a beautiful smile she
had. She won the race, and after, she seemed go genuine and classy -
and always with that bright smile.

I want to give my most sincere condolences to the Reinhart family,
Nicole's friends and her teammates. From everyone's account of her,
it's clear that she was an amazing woman. I'm so very sorry for your
loss.

Kathleen Blackshear

Goodbye. I'll miss you. I'm just a fan, a woman racer who's "lucky
cap" is a Saturn team cap. I love to sprint, and Nicole was one of my
heroes. I never met her, but like many, I've followed her and the Saturn
Girls' results through the season. I've been in a few races with them
and been honored to be there.

My deepest heartfelt sympathy from myself and all the members of "Bite
Me Racing" goes out to her little brother and her parents; I can't fathom
their grief and am SO sorry. Also to the Saturn team who also lost a
loved member of their family, too; my thoughts are with all of you.

When I heard the news, I wept, but I never thought about quitting,
because I knew Nicole would be shaking her head at such a thought! I
quickly vowed to become a better sprinter; to always sprint with all
I have and all I am, for Nicole.

Greg Combs

Fellow cycling friends and friends of Nicole

My name is Greg Combs. I am looking to help raise funds for the Nicole
Reinhart Memorial Fund. Nicole and I used to go on daily traning rides
in Colorado Springs when I was training for the Road and Team Pursuit
Trials in 1996. I remember on one special training ride, we were caught
in a snow storm during a winter camp. We had to stop every 15 minutes
and walk to get blood back to our feet. At one time the snow was coming
down so hard we had to stop and take shelter under a highway over-pass.
Nicole and I wrapped our arms around each other to attempt to stay warm.
Nicole was giggling and I asked her what was so funny? She said, "Isn't
this great we are riding with some of the best riders in the world!"

Nicole's warmth and kindness will never be forgotten. She was such
a special person. I was so blessed to become one of Nicole's "many friends."
Nicole accepted everyone for who they were and brought such joy in my
life and everyone's lives. I will always regret that I took our friendship
for granted and lost touch with Nicole these past few years, albeit,
I followed her success closely. My prayers and thoughts are with Nicole's
family.

Please let fellow riders know I am volunteering to fly cyclists to
events and conduct development cycling camps. I can carry four passengers
plus bags. I am unable to take bikes but possibly they can be shipped
in advance or via ground support. Possibly my employer will allow me
to take a larger jet but doubtful. I would also like to fly officials
and family members to events as well. All funds earned will go to Nicole's
Memorial Fund. My phone number is (210) 545-7681.

Lastly, I would like to reach out to some cyclists that I have lost
touch with but have made a very positive impact in my life and I will
always consider them to be lifelong friends: Clay Moseley, Dede Demet
Barry, Roy Knickman, Chris Wherry, Kent Bostick, Karen Dunne, and Mariano
Fredrick. If any of you are in the San Antonio area please call me.
Also, if you would like me to help you in conducting camps or other
benefits for Nicole's Memorial Fund, I would be glad to help in anyway
I can.

Jackie Paull

As many others have said they did not actually know Nicole personally.
That goes for me as well. Since I heard the news, that has been the
last thing on my mind before I fall asleep at night, and there the the
moment my eyes open in the morning. It will be a while before that changes.

It is so very comforting to read the many tributes others have sent
in. I wish we could have predicted this so she could have said to so
many people that loved her, things she will never have had the opportunity
to do so.That may sound wrong, but it fustrates me so, that this is
the way it is now. We need to all realize this because we do not know
when that can be taken right out from under us.

I spoke to Nicole's mother earlier this year at the Hellertown/Bethlehem
races. I did not know it was her. She had her young Border Collie with
her and we just started talking about racing and dogs. She then introduced
herself as Nicole's mother but in a way that was so normal. You could
see it in her eye when we spoke of Nicole, the love and how proud she
was of her. I remember that conversation clear as day.

I recently saw Nicole at the Chris Thater Race in Binghamton casually
speaking to fans,friends,and other racers. For some reason that conversation
I had had with her mother came over me. I think it was the "normalness"
her mother had ,Nicole had too. I also noticed many other qualities
when I saw her and it is strange because they have been descibe over
and over by so many. She will definitely be missed and I am sure never
forgotten.

Steven Silver

I was in Arlington on Sunday and am devastated by the loss. Here is
a picture of Nicole that I took at the Fitchburg Criterium this year,
doing what she loved to do. She was obviously a very special person.
My deepest sympathies to her family, friends, teammates and fans.

Sandra Smith

I've been reading the various tributes to Nicole and still can't believe
that the young, strong, vital, woman that Nicole was, is gone. I only
met her Friday during a BMC pre-race rally at the Waltham office, when
she helped me complete our week long activities by drawing a winner
of the BMC bicycle. Nicole was by far one of the sweetest women I have
ever met. Sunday I also had the great pleasure of meeting her mom and
dad and the entire family that were in Arlington for the race and sincerely
extend my prayers and best wishes to them all. Nicole will truly be
missed and definitely in my heart forever!

Sandra Smith
BMC Software

Phil Claud

This is very hard for me to write so here I go. Nickel the pickle I've
made you, mad, cry, throw-up, work hard, set goals, grow-up, focus,
dream, fight, and believe. But most of all thank you for giving me the
honor to have been your coach!

Eric Lin

"When she shall die,
Take her and cut her out in little stars,
And she will make the face of heaven so fine
That all the world will be in love with night,
And pay no worship to the garish sun."

...adapted from R&J 3:2

Tom Kretchmar

I've been following pro cycling for about four years with varying
degrees of intensity but never too critically. Largely I know only Euros,
mainly from watching the 98/99/00 TdF's and from buying the obvious
magazines at the bookstore.

Maybe I saw Nicole in Philly during a CoreStates or First Union? I
couldn't even say. But today I logged on to cyclingnews.com to find
out how Marty and Lance are doing in Sydney - I'm living in London right
now, moved here one month ago from Philly, and it's been hard to keep
tabs on the American Olympians on this side of the Atlantic.

So I meant to check on Marty and Lance... but I couldn't stop reading
about Nicole. I was initially upset by the news of her passing in the
way that any fan of sport would be touched by such a tragedy, but I
was altogether devastated the more I learned about her life, her accomplishments,
and her personality from the letters I read online. I may never have
seen her race or have even known who she was until earlier this evening,
but merely from what I've read tonight, I can say that Nicole's life
has affected mine, if only by dint of the stories told by those who
knew her and loved her, far more than Marty's life or Lance's life ever
has.

I believe that's just about the greatest legacy a person can leave
behind. Nicole's family should be extraordinarily proud, knowing what
an influence and impact she made on everyone around her. The comments
I've seen seem to speak to a common theme: Other people felt better
about things, about themselves, simply by being around her. To engender
that sentiment is a rare and special thing. Reading the testimony everyone
has offered makes me wish I had known her myself. Not as the racer she
was, but simply as the amazing person everyone around her knew her to
be.

Shaun Wallace

If Nicole and I had something particular in common, it was we were
both fortunate enough to stumble across a sport that we truly loved.
A sport in which we found a challenge, a sport that had us each setting
personal goals that inspired us to keep reaching for new heights. We
were also both fortunate enough to come across Trexlertown Velodrome
- for me in another continent, for Nicole in her own back yard, but
for each of us it was a place that let us realize our dreams with so
many magical and rewarding moments. I'm sure that Nicole will hold those
moments in her heart forever, just as I do, just as we all will remember
Nicole and the sparkle she had in her eye doing something she clearly
loved.

She will be missed by all those who knew her.

Shawn Long

Nicole was one of the best people I've ever had the privilege of knowing.
Even though I am out of competitive cycling now I have remained friends
with the whole Reinhart family. Whenever I got the chance to see Nicole
she would always take the time to come by and say "Hi Shlong, how are
you doing." That was one of the best qualities she had, she was on the
top of her sport but her mind was always on the ground.

Some of the best experiences and memories of my life came with Nicole
and her younger brother Timmy. I'll never forget our mountain bike ride
together in the pouring down rain and we were all upset but Nicole just
had a giant smile on her face.

She would also always take time out of her schedule for us. Most older
siblings never want their younger siblings and friends around them but
not Nicole. Whenever she would come home and go to the gym she would
invite Timmy and myself to join her. She would also always invite us
to come along on rides with her and the other top riders in the nation.

She taught me to never give up and to always try my hardest. For many
reasons I will always remember Nicole and miss her. Nicole you will
always have a special place in my heart and I love you girl.

Jason Herman

Dear Family and Friends,

I had the opportunity to meet Nicole several times over the past two
years. Each time I left the race with a smile on my face due in part
to her genuine warmth as a person, not as an athlete as much as being
a genuinely good person. I am so sorry that on what should have been
a fairytale weekend for you turned out terribly wrong. I am happy to
know that she had t

he opportunity to be around her family this past weekend.

Nicole raced a lot in the North East and had won the 'big' pro-race
in Arlington, VA two years in a row. The race is only a few blocks away
from my house. In 1999 I took some photos of her as 'official race photographer'.
I placed some photos of Nicole on my web site which was linked to the
Clarendon Cup web site. A few months later she came up to me, called
me by name and thanked me for such sweet words on the web site and told
me how her family had saved the images that were on the web site. Nicole
did not have to come up to me and thank me, I was walking with some
friends down the street when she went out of her way to thank me. How
many people come up to you and do this, let alone people who are preparing
for a race that begins in 20 minutes?

This year I saw her I talked to her a little bit about the Olympics
and her plans. I was getting ready to leave when Nicole asked if I would
like to take a photo of her. I told her I did not want to bother her
after she had just finished a race. She looked at me, made a slight
little frown, and said it was no problem at all. She then gathered her
teammates from the race, pulled her hair back into a pony tail, and
let me take a photo or two.

These are only a few of the stories I can say about this kind, gentle,
and warm soul.

Each interaction with Nicole show the amazing qualities that she possesed.
Those qualities did not come from any PR lesson that she may have received
at a training camp. These qualities came from within.

She was a great champion. Not only with respect to cycling but as
a person. There are people that can train and train and may or may not
win races. However, there is a certain inner beauty and kindness that
you cannot train for. You may train and you win bike races, but you
cannot train for those intangible qualities that Nicole possessed. You
cannot train to be so genuinely warm, caring, cordial, and just an amazing
person.Those things come from one's heart, from one's soul.

I will miss her greatly. As you will, as everyone will. To see her
smile, her genuine warmth as a human being, her everything. ... just
being Nicole.

I wanted you to know that the world was a better place because of
Nicole. A smile that would light up a room, a warmth that left you with
a smile almost as large as hers. I am privileged to have met her and
deeply saddened by her loss.

I count myself as one of those not fortunate enough to ever have met
Nicole. However, after reading, editing and posting all these tributes
I can imagine what a beautiful person she must have been, outside her
impressive achievements on the bike. Reading some of these tributes
and fathoming the loss is enough to move anyone to tears, but there
are some positive words within.

When I first learned of her death, the Vuelta had just finished, the
Olympics had just started (with its own mix of emotions), and of course
time was rather tight. It was one piece of news that I wish I didn't
have to publish, as I knew the effect it would have on those that were
not at the race. Her death was felt by so many, and we at cyclingnews.com
were overwhelmed when the emails and tears flooded in.

Nicole, you were greatly loved in the cycling community, and I am
very sorry that you are gone. To the Reinhart family I send my sincere
best wishes. May the future treat you more kindly.

Jeff Jones
webeditor, cyclingnews.com

Michelle Lovitt

"Some people come into our lives and leave footprints on our hearts
and we are never ever the same".

Nicole you leave your footprints on my heart as well as on the hearts
of so many others. With your kind eyes and your unforgettable smile
I thank God for giving me the chance to know an angel.

Sue Dillmuth

Thank you for setting up since a nice memorial for Nicole Reinhart.
She obviously has touched many lives. Reading this page, I realize that
I am one of many whom have been blessed by knowing Nicole Reinhart.

I met Nicole at the Lehigh Valley Cycling Academy in 1998. I knew who
she was before she introduced herself as I had volunteered at the velodrome
that summer and had seen her race. I knew that she was well liked and
respected. As soon as Nicole learned that I used to run, we hit it off
as Nicole had also ran track. As a new cyclist, I really appreciated
her generous encouragement. She always knew what to say at the right
time. One particular ride, I had fallen from the group on a climb, she
smiled as she passed me and said "pretend that you're running, you'll
make it."

After Nicole moved, I would see her at races and she would always take
the time to catch up with me. She truly wanted to hear about my Cat
IV races and didn't hesitate to introduce me to her teammates. Nicole
never put herself on a pedestal. She treated everyone equally regardless
of one's cycling ability. Nicole is a true champion, not just in cycling,
but in all facets of life. I'll miss her.

Ray Ignosh

As I read through the wonderful sentiments and stories about Nicole,
something came to mind. A quote from "Braveheart"...

William Wallace said, "All men die, not all men really live." I've
always tried to live that way and to take from every moment all that
it had to offer. It seems too obvious to say that Nicole did the same.
As I read on, I felt sorrow, and sympathy for everyone affected by her
passing. I also felt joy and pleasure for those she touched and for
my involvement in cycling. At the Tour de 'Toona this year I raced the
fours and watched as Timmy tore up the threes. He did it all with a
smile on his face and a bashfulness on the stand that seems indicative
of a Reinhart.

Nicole will surely live on all everyone who knew her, rode with her,
or simply heard about how she embraced her life, the sport, and its
many players. Nicole really lived! She also helped and will continue
to help so many others do the same. Thank you, Nicole!

Thank you Reinharts... and please accept my condolences.

Kurt Marion and Gretchan
Jackson

This has been a tough week for me. I was fortunate enough to live
with Nicole, Ryan Kelly, Phil Claud, Norm Carter, and Kenny Zielinski
in Portland, OR for almost a year. Most of the funniest stories of my
life come from this chaotic period. There was never a shortage of laughs
or some type of issue in the house.

Who could forget the day an intense ergometer session, ala Phil, saw
Nicole sprawled out the back door puking in the grass as Phil looked
on like a proud father? How about the day Phil convinced Nicole that
Belutti had quit cycling and decided to become an Archery expert? Constant
hiccups?? Huge, gourmet meals??? What about watching Martha Stewart
EVERYDAY, then trying to make whatever she made on the show???? MarioCart
on Nintendo--trash-talking each other, throwing elbows at each other
(little innocent Nicole the WORST OF ALL!! hahaha)??????? Your first
cyclocross race in Portland?????? It was all so fun...

How come it ended so soon? I have no answers, I am at a loss. I only
know that I was priviledged to know you and I am sooooo glad you harassed
me into driving to see you race at Red Zinger in Breckenridge this year.
I didn't cheer that last lap when it was you vs. Mari, but I was glad
to see you win...Thanks for the lunch afterward. Thanks for helping
my wife out at Superweek. Speaking of which, I gave you a feed at that
race in Oneida, and you never gave me that bottle back...only you Nicole.

I love you and thanks for the laughs.

Matt Koschara

Words for Nicole

I wake to a world without you.
And I hate what I do.

Coffee is as coffee does.
So I bike to Starbucks.

A cup of comfort comes.
Same taste, different race.

And I want to grieve.
But I'm not allowed to.

Because I know that could have been me.
But instead it was you.

And it's right before the race.
And I hate what I do.

I put on a helmet and my sunglasses.
And forget about you.

Forget that we had been teammates.
Forget that you could always make me laugh.

Forget that you died doing what we love.
Forget that you died doing what we love.

Nicole I'm so sorry.
Because I'm only thinking about myself now.

And how other riders need,
To think of other riders needs.

And how a couple of hay bales placed strategically
Could have made all the difference in the world.